Koen Broucke is painting “My Guernica” in the 12th-century refectory of St. Bavo's Abbey in Ghent (Belgium), a contemporary variation on Pablo Picasso's “Guernica”, a work of art in which anger, disbelief and hope come together. You can follow the work in progress here. The completed work can be viewed at St Peter's Abbey from 2 April to 16 August 2026.
(in cooperation with 'Historische Huizen Gent')
'As a painter, I cannot compete with multimedia and film. That is why I have turned to the Ghent Altarpiece, to Van Eyck, to 15th-century traditions. (…)
The hope is reflected in a series of botanical details, applied with fine brushes. I draw the roots as well - a surreal gesture - but also a reference to healing powers. Plants always grow skyward.'
KB
(in cooperation with 'Historische Huizen Gent')
'As a painter, I cannot compete with multimedia and film. That is why I have turned to the Ghent Altarpiece, to Van Eyck, to 15th-century traditions. (…)
The hope is reflected in a series of botanical details, applied with fine brushes. I draw the roots as well - a surreal gesture - but also a reference to healing powers. Plants always grow skyward.'
KB
Underpainting (assistants: Jean-François Van Mullem & Marius Broucke)
The shooting with the extras (copyright: Martin Corlazzoli)
The refectory of St. Bavo's Abbey in Ghent (copyright: Koen Broucke)
Work in Progress (pictures: Sigrid Geldhof)
